This training is for practitioners looking to become a new BEST Plus 2.0 test administrator.

**PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS THE FINAL BEST PLUS 2.0 TRAINING TO BE OFFERED BY THE CEA. INITIAL REGISTRATIONS WILL BE LIMITED TO ONE PERSON PER PROGRAM TO MAXIMIZE TESTING COVERAGE ACROSS PROGRAMS. ADDITIONAL REGISTRANTS FROM THE SAME PROGRAM WILL BE MOVED TO THE WAITLIST.**

The BEST Plus 2.0 administration and scoring training is conducted across two days (seven hours total) as an online facilitated training.

***Given the timing of this training, you must register by Thursday, January 4, 2024 to receive paper copies of the materials via USPS. Registration will close on Thursday, January 4, 2024 to allow time for mailings. 

Approximately three weeks prior to the training, participants will receive an email from the CEA to confirm a mailing address via a link to an online form. You will be asked for a mailing address, home or work, where the CEA can ship training materials to you in the days leading up to the training. 

The certification requirements are as follows:

1. Attend the two 3.5 hour online facilitated training sessions via Zoom.
2. Complete homework activities as necessary.
3. Participate in a 90-minute, small group meeting after the training sessions to review scoring using the rubric and practice using the software.
4. Practice administering the test with a minimum of ten participants.
   • Participants must include five non-native speakers and five other individuals that may include non-native speakers.
   • These practice tests may not be administered as pre- or post-assessments. To access these tests, trainees must use the BEST Plus 2.0 software.
5. Obtain a passing score on the assigned scoring activity. You will receive access to the scoring activity after you participate in the small group meeting.

***Participants must have access to a PC running Windows XP or higher and be able to install the BEST Plus 2.0 software (links to software download and installation instructions). The BEST Plus 2.0 software is not compatible with Apple devices. If you have questions, please contact the CEA at aclstesthelp@umass.edu. 

Please note: Participants are asked to arrive 5 to 10 minutes early in case of technology issues, but at a minimum must arrive on time for both sessions and must attend both sessions in their entirety to complete the first requirement of the certification. In addition, participants are expected to complete one hour of self-study between Day 1 and Day 2 of the training. 

***There are several prerequisites to participate in this training. One prerequisite requires completion of an online webinar. See below for more information.

You are encouraged to speak with your program director or ESOL coordinator prior to registering.

UMass is managing registration for this training to ensure that as many programs as possible have access to this training.

• This training is capped at 21 participants, and only one person per program will be permitted in this training.
  • If more than one participant from a single program signs up, the second participant (and any subsequent individual who signs up from that program) will be placed on a waitlist.